Scuffle erupts as the British National Party presents some of its candidates
for the forthcoming local and Westminster elections.

Police intervene as British National Party supporters clash with anti-facist demonstrators outside Lunar House, the UK Border Agency building in CroydonPhoto: PA

11:45PM BST 15 Apr 2010

One anti-fascist protester broke through a police cordon and tried to punch a BNP member before being tackled to the ground and taken away by police. Robert Bailey, the party’s London organiser, said that the BNP had the right to protest and anti-fascist campaigners had a right to counter-protest.

The party was presenting its candidates outside the headquarters of the UK Border Agency, in Croydon, south London. Anti-fascist protesters shouted “Nazi scum. Off our streets” and “Smash the BNP”. Mr Bailey, who is standing as a parliamentary candidate in Romford, Essex, had earlier told party members that the BNP was there “to draw attention” to the “immigration crisis”.

When asked why Nick Griffin, the party leader, was not at yesterday’s event, Mr Bailey replied: “You will have to ask him.”